Rehearsal Report--6/23

We had out first rehearsal at the performance space this evening.  And our first rehearsal with the children's ensemble.  Both were invigorating.

The performance space is a nearly 20 year old structure that was added for outdoor performances of all sorts when Mill Race Park was renovated in 1993.  It is one of those generic spaces that is designed to accomodate everyone, and therefore becomes a space that is suited for no one really.  It's the biggest stage in the area.  There is no wing space and no backstage space.  For theatrical productions, you have to create them.  Entrances come from left and right either up a hill or up a set of stairs.  There are "dressing rooms" underneath.  The space is open at all times and to all weathers.

It is magical.

Show Concepts: Pros and Cons



Okay, so I have been struggling/juggling back and forth between two concepts for Merry Wives of Windsor.  On one hand, a classic look and setting could be quite nice for this play and on the other hand, a transposition to the American West/Frontier could work exceptionally well.  When I last updated the blog I had pretty much settled my mind on one specific concept and then I went down to the park and everything shifted again.

I want to take a few minutes to lay out the pros and cons of each concept (Traditional vs. Old West).

Why Merry Wives of Windsor?

I had been planning for a few years to submit a proposal to Mill Race Players to direct a show this summer.  With my other theatre responsibilities and obligations to family and beyond, I can't do it as much as I would  like.  But on the calendar it looked like I would be free this spring for prep and free in the fall for decompression, and so I had already mentally booked the time for Mill Race this summer.

I was going to propose The Sound of Music.  I have been thinking about that show for several years, and had many concepts, and a lot of the script work already in place.  Because I plan on proposing that show in the immediate future, I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag and give any details.  Suffice it to say it should be epic, and it should be indoors.